Welcome to Day 15 which kicks off our Spirit health week. I’m so excited for this week because our spirit is everlasting. Though our bodies may pass away, our spirit lives on forever. So before we begin, we should probably define what spirituality is.
Generally, spirituality comprises of the sense of connection to something superior than us, and it normally includes a search for the meaning of life. Spirituality is a general human understanding, something that has an impact in our lives. Spirituality is a comprehensive concept with the chances for many views. People might define spiritual understanding as holy or supreme or simply a profound sense of connection. Some might discover that their spiritual life is linked complexly to their relationship with a temple, church, synagogue, and mosque. Some people can pray or find relief in a personal relationship with God. Yet others search for the meaning through their connections or links to nature or art.
Spirituality vs. Religion
The difference between religion and spirituality? Spirituality is a matter that is been talked about a lot but it is usually misinterpreted, or misunderstood. Many people might think that spirituality and religion are the same, and they bring their beliefs and preconceived notions about religion to the discussions that is about spirituality. However, religions lay emphases on spirituality as being part of faith or belief, you can be ‘spiritual’ and not be religious or being a member of an organized religion.
There are differences between spirituality and religion:
• Religion: it is a set of a particularly organized beliefs and practice, which is typically performed by a set of people, a group or community.
• Spirituality: This is more of an individual practice, this has to do with possessing a sense of peace, comfort and purpose. It is also related to the process by which belief a developed around the main meaning of life and links, connections with others.
From my research I’ve found that humans have 7 spiritual needs that need to be fulfilled in order to feel happy:
1. Experience the healing and empowerment of love – from others, self, and an ultimate source.
2. Experience renewing times of transcendence – expansive moments beyond the immediate sensory spheres.
3. Have vital beliefs that lend meaning and hope in the midst of struggle, loss, tragedy, and failure.
4. Have values, priorities, and life commitments centered in issues of justice, integrity, and love to provide guidance in personally and socially responsible living.
5. Discover and develop inner wisdom, creativity, and love of self.
6. Develop a deepening awareness of oneness with other people, the natural world, and all living things.
7. Have spiritual resources to help heal grief, guilt, resentment, unforgiveness, self-rejection, and shame and deepen experiences of trust, self-esteem, hope, joy and love of life.
So how are your needs being met? Are there areas that are being unfulfilled? Let’s jump over to our exercise book and find the gaps and in doing this, find your keys to being happier.